Dragon Stones of Armenian Highland

Dragons in Armenian mythology were called Vishaps. The dragon stones of Armenian Highland are numerous; many of them stand out for their unique ritual and cultural significance. However, before we talk about vishapakars (dragon stones), we need to understand where the name of these stone monuments came from and what dragons represented in ancient Armenian culture. In different cultures, dragons had different meanings and characteristics. For example, Chinese dragons represent wisdom and moral excellence. European dragons are cruel and always hungry. Armenian dragons or vishaps rule the waters, live in lakes, rivers and even in the sky, bringing thunderstorms.

In some legends, vishap is the spirit of water and wealth. In other legends, it brings disaster and misfortune. Most often, people worshiped vishaps, especially during a drought. They believed that this snake-like animal pointed the places of water by crawling on the ground. And sometimes the dragon itself closed the sources of water, or drained the rivers and lakes.

In Armenia, the main enemy of the dragon was the god of fire, war and storm Vahagn. He fought and killed the vishaps, after which the long-awaited rain began.

However, the name vishap given to these stone monuments has nothing to do with snake-like dragons from famous European legends. Vishap in Armenian legends is not a specific animal. Vishap is an uncontrollable natural element that can transform into various images.

Dragon Stones

Dragon-stones or vishapakars are unique and mysterious monuments found only in the territory of Armenian Highland. They were first studied in the 19th century. Then a number of works were published, which spoke of their origin and religious significance.

The appearance of the vishapakars and their location can also be associated with the image of the mythical dragon serpent. They are often located at the source of rivers and springs. In the myth, the water originates after the defeat of the vishap. Even in Ancient Armenia, at the source of the river and, in general, close to the water, people installed vishapakars to protect the water sources from dragons.

Dragon stones of Armenian Highland very often have the form of a fish. In some sources, the enemy of the god of thunder is a water giant – a huge fish.

In our region and in Indo-European myths, the god of thunder was depicted as a bull. People often sacrificed to gods the animals that are considered their symbol. That is why on dragon stones you can often find the skin of a sacrificial bull carved on stone.

The victory of the god of thunder was often associated with the New Year and with the beginning of a new life. The images on dragon stones correspond to the spring zodiac signs. For example, images of two fish that identify with Gemini. On some dragon stones, an Aries is depicted instead of a bull. So, we get a sequence of spring zodiac signs – Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini. As we know, in many ancient societies the New Year was associated with the arrival of spring.

Golden Fleece and Armenian Vishaps

From numerous sources of Asia Minor, it is known about the ritual significance of the sheepskin – the Fleece. During one of the oldest rituals, it was hung from a cosmic tree.

The fleece kept in some temples is considered a divine symbol. According to the Greek myth, the Argonauts wanted to get the Golden Fleece, which was hung from the “Cosmic Tree” and guarded by a dragon serpent. The whole story of the Golden Fleece is associated with the myth of the confrontation between the god of thunder and the dragon serpent. Elements of this Greek myth can be found in the description of the Armenian dragon stones, as well as during the rituals associated with them. In addition, the historical period of the creation of these myths is close to the era of the dragon stones.

However, despite the fact that there is a logical connection between the Golden Fleece and Armenian vishapakars, all these comparisons are just hypotheses, and in this context, there are no scientifically proven arguments.

Types of Dragon Stones

Based on the studies of the dragon stones of the Geghama Mountains, we can divide them into 4 groups:

1. A large stone statue of a fish, mainly catfish or barbel (the latter is similar to the Sevan barbel, but larger).
2. Fish, with the skin of a bull or a ram spread out on top. Above the head of the fish, below the mouth of the bull, there are wavy lines that probably symbolize the flow of water or rain. Sometimes a bull skin is carved along the entire length of the body of the fish. Although, it is also possible that images of the bull were added later, testifying to new religious ideas and the invasion of new tribes.
3. The same image, but on a basalt column, not on a fish sculpture. There are many more vishapakars of this type.
4. Other images: several long protrusions in the upper part of the column, below there are wavy lines, the same as in the second group. As well as wavy lines  descending from above, the middle of which resembles a snake in some way.

Also there is evidence of the dragon stones of the Çoruh river basin, which depict snakes, lizards, an ox, some also depict lions.

However, the dragon stones of different regions differ from each other.

Location of Dragon Stones

Preliminary mapping of the dragon stones shows that they are found only in the territory of Armenian Highland. The dragon stones of Armenian Highland are unique. About 150 dragon stones were found, 100 of which are located in Armenia. However, in the Armenian archives there is no exact data on vishaps, in total only 30 dragon stones are mentioned.

There are 6 dragon stones in the territory of Yerevan. All these sculptures have been moved here from other places. Geghama Mountains are marked as a historical environment of these stones. All dragon stones mainly date back to 3-2 millennium BC.

One of the vishapakars located in Yerevan is installed on the territory of Matenadaran. This is a fish-like sculpture with a bullhead at the top. Two more dragon stones are located in the Nor Nork district, near Gayi Avenue. One of them looks like a fish, and in the upper part of the other dragon stone is depicted a bull’s head and water seems to flow out from its mouth.

The location of the vishaps throughout Armenia:

• Kotayk region – 6 vishaps
• Gegharkunik region – 4 vishaps
• Aragatsotn region – 8 vishaps
• Armavir region – 2 vishaps
• Vayots Dzor region – 2 vishaps

However, most vishapakars are found in the Geghama Mountains and the Aragats mountain range. The vishapakars of Aragats are simpler and do not have special decorations. In the Geghama Mountains, there are more complex and decorated dragon stones. This suggests that Aragats was probably the cradle of the creation of the dragon stones, and the Geghama Mountains were the epicenter of their development. It is no coincidence that dragon stones with bulls and fish are found almost everywhere, and a combination of these two types is found only in the Geghama Mountains.

Dragon Stones that were Turned to Khachkars

In the eastern part of the Ulgyur village, in Lower Ulgyur, there is a small chapel church with a rectangular plan of Surb Astvatsatsin (XI-XIV centuries). On the southern side of the monument, there are two dragon stones, one of which was turned to a khachkar (cross stone) in 1001, and the other in the XI-XII centuries. Later, the lower part of one of the vishapakars received a new structure, and an inscription was engraved on the back.

Ulgyur is the birthplace of the prominent medieval architect Momik. Here at the church cemetery, the graves of his parents, the grave of his brother with his family and other relatives were found.

These unique prehistoric stone monuments are found exclusively on the territory of the Armenian Highland. They are an important part of the cultural heritage of Armenia. Although vishapakars have been repeatedly studied and interpreted by different researchers, many mysteries are still associated with their name and illustrations. However, it doesn’t prevent these unique monuments from becoming a unique symbol of Armenia that amaze thousands of tourists.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Blog about Armenia